Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistani embassies worldwide to enhance their efforts in identifying employment opportunities for the country’s workforce, with a focus on the youth. During a review meeting held in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of equipping young Pakistanis with the necessary education, skills, and certifications to compete for jobs on an international scale.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif has instructed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to focus on skills development, language training, and securing internationally recognized certifications for Pakistani workers. To facilitate this, the Prime Minister also called for the digitization of the Protectorate of Emigration system and urged embassies to compile and distribute detailed information on available overseas job opportunities.

The Prime Minister outlined the need for Pakistani institutions to enhance cooperation with foreign countries to ensure that local certifications align with international standards. He specifically highlighted the importance of language training and certifications in securing employment in countries with job openings for skilled Pakistani workers. Additionally, a report was requested on the performance of technical and vocational training institutes under NAVTTC, as well as the establishment of Country of Destination Centres.

During the meeting, it was reported that over 800,000 young people have registered on the Digital Youth Hub, indicating a strong interest in overseas employment opportunities. Available jobs abroad span multiple sectors, including construction, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and information technology, among others. Training programs are currently in progress to prepare Pakistanis for these roles, with embassies set to update the Digital Youth Hub Portal with pertinent job information and qualifications.